Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled high in the Eritrean highlands, the capital city of Asmara is an architectural jewel that offers visitors a window into the country’s rich and complex history. Once an Italian colonial outpost, Asmara was transformed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries into a modernist “Little Rome” replete with art deco buildings, cinemas, cafés and more. This Italianate architecture gives Asmara a distinct character unlike anywhere else in Africa. In 2017, Asmara’s historic city center was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique architectural heritage. Beyond the elegant colonial boulevards, Asmara also has a vibrant local culture, bustling markets, and atmospheric cafes. For travelers seeking to discover the hidden gems of northeast Africa, Asmara provides an enchanting look into Eritrea’s multifaceted past and present.
Asmara’s Italianate Architecture
Asmara’s architecture vividly reflects the Italian colonial presence in Eritrea. When the Italians first arrived in the late 1800s, Asmara was a small highland village. But over the following decades, Italian builders transformed it into a modernist city with an idiosyncratic flair. Grand boulevards, futuristic art deco buildings, cinemas, cafes and more were constructed using the latest architectural styles popular in Italy at the time. Even today, Asmara has an almost surreal Italian character, often referred to as “Little Rome” in Africa. In 2017, this legacy was recognized globally when Asmara’s historic city center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking Asmara’s streets today is like stepping back into the 20th century Italian era. For architecture buffs, the city is a living museum of colonial Italian designs.
Key Architectural Landmarks
Several buildings stand out as iconic landmarks reflecting Asmara’s Italianate heritage.
Fiat Tagliero Building
One of Asmara’s most futuristic structures is the Fiat Tagliero Building, constructed in 1938. Originally a petroleum company office, its aircraft-inspired design includes cantilevered wings on each side protruding into the sky. This modernist flight of fancy makes it one of Asmara’s most photographed sites.
Opera House
Asmara’s Opera House dates back to the early 20th century colonial era. With a Neoclassical façade and ornate interior featuring a grand central staircase, frescoes and chandeliers, this historic performing arts venue beautifully encapsulates Italian architecture and culture. Today, it continues to host concerts and events.
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Enda Mariam Cathedral is Eritrea’s main Orthodox church, built in the early 1900s. Its Lombard Romanesque style of brickwork arches and towers make it an Asmara landmark. Inside, it contains precious paintings, mosaics and religious relics that date back centuries.
Cinema Impero
Opened in 1937, Cinema Impero is an iconic art deco movie theater highlighting Asmara’s bygone cinema culture. It retains its elegant curved façade, lit up with neon at night. Though no longer in regular use, this historic cinema is still lovingly maintained.
Asmara’s Vibrant Cafe Culture
Beyond the architecture, Asmara has a lively cafe culture that also reflects its Italian heritage. The Italians introduced coffee and cafe life to Eritrea. To this day, Asmara residents continue spending endless hours socializing in cafes. Historic spots like Cinema Roma and Cafe Fenice have maintained their retro Italian style for decades. Patrons sip espressos and eat snacks like focaccia, paninis and gelato—Italy transported to East Africa. For both locals and tourists, the atmospheric cafes of Asmara provide opportunities to soak up the city’s old-world ambiance.
The Markets of Asmara
In contrast to the European-flavored streets, Asmara’s open-air markets offer an authentic glimpse into local life. There are several major markets scattered around town, bustling with farmers, artisans and traders. Colors and smells abound as vendors sell fragrant spices, textiles, baskets, jewelry and handicrafts. For visitors they provide the perfect place to connect with everyday culture and do some souvenir shopping. Markets like Merkato and Souq are not just places to buy things—they have long served as gathering spots for the community. Bargaining is customary when purchasing from the market stalls.
Beyond Asmara: Historic Sites
Though Asmara itself offers much to see, several worthwhile day trips explore historic and natural sites in the vicinity. The ancient port city of Adulis, dating from 500 BC, has archaeological ruins showing its prominence in Red Sea trade millennia ago. Rock-hewn churches around Metera from the 4th century reveal early Christian history in the region. There is also an Italian war cemetery and monument commemorating those killed during the 1896 Battle of Adwa and subsequent conflicts. While most tourists spend their time in Asmara itself, these excursions provide a broader view of Eritrea’s multilayered past.
Conclusion
With its enchanting Italianate architecture and relaxed cafe culture, Asmara is an African capital unlike any other. For travelers seeking to discover little-visited historic gems, Asmara offers a portal into the unique colonial heritage of Eritrea under Italian rule. The futuristic Fiat Tagliero building, the elegant Opera House, and more – all protected within a UNESCO recognized city center – make Asmara an open-air Italian design museum. Beyond the classic buildings, atmospheric cafes and bustling markets provide immersion into local culture. Asmara has an otherworldly elegance and fascinating history waiting to be unveiled by those looking to venture off the beaten African tourist path.
FAQ
What is the historical background of Asmara?
Asmara was originally a small highland village in what is now Eritrea. In the late 1800s, it was colonized by Italy and built up into the capital city during the early 20th century Italian colonial era, transforming it into the Italianate architectural gem seen today.
Why does Asmara have an Italian style?
Asmara was colonized by Italy in the late 1800s. The Italians used architectural styles popular in Italy at the time to build up Asmara into a modernist “Little Rome” in Africa, leaving behind many Italianate buildings.
When did Asmara become a UNESCO site?
In 2017, Asmara’s historic city center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in honor of its unique architectural legacy from Italian colonial rule.
What is iconic Italian architecture in Asmara?
Key examples are the futuristic Fiat Tagliero Building, the Neoclassical Opera House, the Lombard-style Enda Mariam Cathedral, and the elegant art deco Cinema Impero.
Where can you experience local culture in Asmara?
Asmara’s bustling open-air markets and lively cafes provide great opportunities to soak up authentic local culture and interact with residents.